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Since 1989, a strange phenomenon occurs each year in the Wildcat River at Jackson Falls. 3,500 bright yellow rubber duckies appear in the waters and go floating downstream, racing to the finish line. Thousands of people come to Jackson, New Hampshire each year to see this unusual spectacle, and hope that the duck they've sponsored wins one of fabulous prizes. It’s the annual Wildquack Duck Race, part of Jackson’s Memorial Day weekend festivities, and it’s definitely a must-see event.

The Wildquack River Festival not only offers a fun spectacle, but an opportunity to win prizes. Each year offers amazing prize packages, Silent Auctions, and other chances to win vacation stays, dining certificates, spa treatments, gift baskets, attractions tickets, gift baskets, art work, photos, and even a mountain bike.

Each year there are also plenty of yummy foods to eat, from barbecue to fair food like kettle corn, and ice cream, and New England favorites like lobster rolls. Don’t forget dessert! Jackson has its very own Cake Boss competition and visitors can taste the entries for $1. Whether you like to bake or sample, it’s definitely the most delicious part of the festival.

Other festival events include a talent show, parade, photos with the official Wildquack mascot, and the crowning of the Wildquack King or Queen. The festival begins at 7AM and continue all day. It’s easy to see why the Wildquack River Festival has become such a time-honored tradition for locals and visitors alike!

North Conway has long been attractive to tourists thanks to the beautiful White Mountains. Since settlers first came to the area in the 1700s, the local natural wonders continue to draw more and more people to the area, whether for a visit or a lifetime. The White Mountain School of painting, a subset of the more famous Hudson River School, initially attracted many artists to the area. Their works served to further popularize North Conway and the other villages in the Mount Washington region throughout the early 1800s.

In addition to artists, North Conway attracted equal numbers of rock climbers and mountaineers eager to conquer the White Mountain’s steep peaks. Explorers as early as 1642 have tackled the local crags and trails. Throughout the late 1800s rail traffic increased, bringing even more people in to appreciate everything the White Mountains have to offer. Trains were key to the birth of a booming ski industry in the area, with Cranmore Mountain opening a ski school in the 1930s . This heritage can still be enjoyed at places of interest like the North Conway Depot Railroad Museum, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, and Conway Scenic Railway.

The arrival of the automobile only further expanded North Conway tourism. New businesses joined the community throughout the booming post-war years. Storyland opened in 1953 and in the 1980s the Settler’s Green outlet mall opened and attracted a variety of new businesses to the area. The Green Granite opened around the same time, conveniently located nearby. In 1995 the popular Polar Express event began, wowing families every holiday season since. With such a long history as a destination of adventure, beauty, and fun, it’s no wonder that North Conway continues to wow both long-term fans and new visitors each year. The Green Granite is proud to be a part of this unique community, and to be part of a travel tradition that continues for generations.